Conger Metcalf

Born in Cedar Rapids, Conger Metcalf began his art studies at the Stone City Art Colony, after which he enrolled at Coe College and studied under Marvin Cone. After graduating from Coe in 1936, Metcalf studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which was to become his home, although he always maintained close ties to Cedar Rapids. During his service in World War II and on subsequent trips afterward, Metcalf studied the European masters, who were very influential on his work. This exhibition, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Metcalf’s birth in 1914, looks at the CRMA’s extensive holdings of his art.

This exhibition is made possible in part by a Program Fund Grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Commentary

Daniel Stewarton 07/29/18

I just found a sketch by this man and was drawn to it strongly. I had to look up the artist and really like what I’ve found. I’ll probably buy the framed sketch tomorrow.

Marie-Solange Ladeniuson 03/09/18

I had the pleasure of getting to know Conger when I lived in Beacon Hill. He encouraged my art and was the loveliest gentleman. I have two beautiful drawings he made for me I treasure. Recently I had an exhibit at the Jewish Museum in Venice, he would have appreciated that as he loved Italy so much.

Dick Howletton 08/25/15

As a young boy I posed for Mr. metcalf as an Italian street urchin in his studio in Boston, circ 1956.

Martin Glickon 10/30/14

I had Conger as my drawing teacher at BU in 1957 for only one year. Yet his influence on my work is amazing. He taught me to see. I consider him my mentor as he taught me so much. He taught me what it is to be a teacher. Many years later we became friends. Whenever I had an exhibit there was always a floral arrangement sent by him. I am now a proud owner of one of his fabulous paintings.

Pam Westonon 10/28/14

Mr. Metcalf was the best teacher I had in all my years in school. He taught me to see. I was at BU in Fine Arts in 1961-3. The first semester I got a B. The second I got an A... One of the very few he would give at that time. I felt very honored.

Mary Legrison 09/27/14

Mr. Metcalf was my second year drawing teacher at Boston University SFAA, back in 1971.He was a wonderful teacher, but even more, I remember him for his warmth and kindness to all his students. Sometimes, we would ride the subway home together, and a couple of times he exited the train a stop early to buy a bouquet of flowers for me, just out of the kindness of his heart. I remember how he invited the entire drawing class to his beautiful apartment in Beacon Hill, full of art and artifacts from Florence. I remember he served us all huge shrimp, the like of which I'd never seen. I will never forget this great man and artist.

Rosemary Murrayon 09/15/14

My husband and I knew him in Boston where he would visit our restaurant and would sit with other artists in the area for hours and discuss art. His art was the first purchase I ever made and it grew from there. He was a window designer for a famous department store in Boston which he enjoyed. I guess it was something different than painting all the time. He was a fascinating person.

Tim Pennypackeron 06/22/14

Uncle Conger was not only a man of art,but a truly gifted and wonderful person. I'm most fortunate to have five of his works.He was one gave so much and asked for nothing. Above his beautiful work,he played a fine piano and enjoyed nothing more than making people laugh and feel happy!

James Evanson 02/08/14

His art work is really great warm colors. The facial expressions convey mood

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